Sightsavers
Prevents avoidable blindness and supports people with visual impairments through treatment, education, and advocacy in developing countries.
At a glance
Rating and filings checked Oct 12, 2026. Sources: Charity Navigator, IRS Form 990 via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. How we check
Is Sightsavers a good charity?
Charity Navigator rates Sightsavers 3 out of 4 stars (87%) — a solid rating, one step below its top tier. Its 2023 Form 990 reports $18.8M in revenue, up 21% from $15.5M in 2019, and $18.8M in expenses. Rating checked Oct 12, 2026.
Finances
From Sightsavers's annual IRS Form 990 filings (filed as Sightsavers Inc).
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net assets | Officer & key staff pay | Filing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $18.8M | $18.8M | $219K | $0 | 990 PDF |
| 2022 | $38.4M | $38.4M | $198K | $0 | 990 PDF |
| 2021 | $16.9M | $16.9M | $172K | $0 | 990 PDF |
| 2020 | $9.6M | $9.6M | $151K | $0 | |
| 2019 | $15.5M | $15.5M | $132K | $0 | 990 PDF |
A newer filing for 2024 is out but not yet summarized: read the 2024 Form 990 (PDF).
Officer & key staff pay is the 990's total for current officers, directors, trustees and key employees, not one salary.
What charities in health & medical do
Health and medical charities deliver care through a combination of direct service (clinics, mobile units, hospital ships), supply distribution (bed nets, vaccines, vitamin supplements), and partnerships with ministries of health and local healthcare workers. The most cost-effective operate in low- and middle-income countries where every dollar reaches further. Funding supports medicine procurement, clinical staffing, training local healthcare workers, and infrastructure like cold-chain logistics for vaccines.
How to judge charities in this area
For global health charities, look for evidence based on randomized controlled trials, transparent cost-per-life-saved or cost-per-DALY (disability-adjusted life year) figures, and recent independent reviews. GiveWell's published cost-effectiveness analyses are the most rigorous public resource. For US-focused health charities, check the program-to-overhead ratio and how they measure patient outcomes, not just patients served.
How to support beyond a one-time gift
- + Recurring monthly gifts let organizations plan procurement of bed nets, medicines, and equipment
- + Designate gifts to a specific program rather than the general fund if you want clearer impact reporting
- + Use employer matching programs — many companies double or triple gifts to registered health nonprofits
- + Donate appreciated stock instead of cash to avoid capital gains tax
- + Spread the word on social media — many health charities note that awareness drives a measurable share of new donors
Verify before you give
A few minutes of independent verification pays off — especially for larger gifts. These resources let you confirm the details on Sightsavers:
Frequently asked
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